Thurstan

Thx alot with al the advice, i think ill go for a coal forge. Since i want to make a hobby of blacksmithing and when i do it i have time to kill. + my parents still have a old stockpile with ALOT of coal. Is there a good tutorial guide around on how to make a descent fire?

Well space is not a problem, i have enough space to put a coal forge or a gas forge. For a coal forge, how long does it take to make a good fire? Also for knifes and swords etc, do both gas and coal give the same good results? Or is for example gas forges better for these things? And how big do these forges get?

Hi I'm looking to buy a forge for knife making and sword making. Problem is I do not have a clue on what forge would be best. What would you guys suggest? Solid fuel or gas? And what type do you guys prefer to use? Greetings from belgium

ah, i was gonna ask what was the best fuel. I tried the forge yesterday with charcoal and it burns up rather fast. But i do have a large stockpile ( about 3 cubical ) of coal. it used to be from my grandparents. So i think i will try to use that for fuel. Thanks for the advice :)

isn't titanium bad for edge holding?

very nice folder. I like the combination with the damascus and the carbon handle.

Well I have alot of wood stored atm (poplar and birch). So I am thinking about making my own charcoal and use that for fuel. Why the question?

I have just finished putting in the mortar. Still have some left for adjustments. Here are some pictures. What do you guys think?

I have found some very good examples on that topic. I'm busy making the forge at this moment, I'm hoping to get the mortar in by tonight. I will also try to post some pictures.

Ok thx alot for the constructive advice. I will start on it today Btw nakedanvil, thx for the french, but my main language is dutch :)

lol ok, srry that my english isn't all that well... At the moment the only thing i can get a hold of is the fire mortor, If i try to use it for the forge, do you think it will explode or simply crack when it gets to warm? problem with the bricks over here is that they are made for bbq's and arent all that good. I just want to get started with forging, even if the mortar only holds for a couple of months.

Hi, every1 this is my first post and i am new to blacksmithing. Now i got myself a anvil and some hammers + thongs, but i can't find a good fire. So i decided to build 1 myself. I havent been able to get my hands on a brake drum, but i have been able to get 50kg of fire mortar that can hold temp's till 1100° c . So my question is, does any1 here on the forum have a good id on how to use this fire mortar to make me a good forge? I want to start practice on some knifes and afterwards some art. Got alot of old files and springsteel to practice on. Ive made me a card with wheels, i was thinking about maybe putting on a iron box on top of that with a 20 cm high border and try to make the fire pot out of the fire mortar. What do you guys think about that and will the fire mortar hold up for it? greetings from belgium